3.0T 8-channel high res brain array coil troubleshooting

Problem:

Unable to pre-scan or scanning, but receiving no signal.

Possible Solution:

• Verify the green light above Port A is illuminated. This indicates the coil is properly plugged into the system.

• Verify the system correctly detected the coil by checking in Currently Connected in the GUI shown in the example in Figure 1.

• Verify that the landmark is correct and the cradle did not unlatch.

• Verify that the scan locations and any Field of View (FOV) offsets are correct.

• Perform a continuity check on the external cable described in PIN Diode Control Channels Check. The continuity check must be performed by a GE-authorized Service Engineer.

• Verify that the coil is positioned with the cable exiting towards the bore and that the system and coil polarity match.

If still unable to receive a signal, try to scan (transmit and receive) with the body coil. For this test, be sure to remove the imaging coil from the magnet bore before scanning with the body coil.

• If still not receiving a signal, the problem probably lies with the MR system.

• If the scan completes successfully, there may be a problem with the Invivo coil. Contact GE for further assistance. If unable to scan with the substitute coil, there may be a system problem related to this particular coil type.

Problem:

Poor IQ, shaded images, or MCQA fails.

Possible Solution:

• Perform a continuity check on the external cable described in External Cable Wear. The continuity check must be performed by a GE authorized Service Engineer.

• Verify that there are no loops in the cables.

• Verify that there are no metal or ferromagnetic objects close to the coil, patient or magnet (i.e., safety pin, hair pin).

• Verify that the coil is properly positioned.

• Verify that the center frequency is within the frequency adjustment range for the system.

• Verify that the R1, R2 and TG values from the pre-scan are within normally expected ranges.

If not already done:

1. Perform a system Quality Assurance phantom test.

   1. If the values obtained do not fall within normal operating parameters, investigate further by performing a phantom scan with the body coil. For this test, be sure to remove the imaging coil from the magnet bore before scanning with the body coil. If still having the same problems, there is probably an MR system problem.

   2. If the body coil scan is satisfactory, acquire a scan using another coil of the exact same type (receive-only, phased array, or transmit/receive, whichever applies) and the same system coil selection. If the image quality is visibly improved, there may be a problem with the Invivo coil.

2. Contact GE for further assistance. If the image quality still suffers, there may be a system problem related to imaging with this type of coil.

Problem:

There is a black line or signal void on the image.

Possible Solution:

Verify that there is no metal present in the area being scanned in or on the patient.

Problem:

Some or all of the images appear shaded or exhibit uneven signal or banding.

Possible Solution:

• Confirm that no metallic objects are located nearby, outside the FOV. This is especially important on images utilizing Fat Saturation.

• If Fat Saturation is being used, verify that the Center Frequency Adjustment (CFA) fine adjustment was optimized.

Problem:

System will not recognize the coil, or reports MC bias errors with the coil attached.

Possible Solution:

Perform the cable continuity check as follows:

Inspect the coil for visible signs of wear. If the coil housings do not seat with each other or if the latch mechanism will not work properly, contact GE Service.